MORE artefacts have been discovered during the restoration of Fort Cornwallis here.
A cannon and a mortar were found during an archaeological excavation last Friday.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Global Archaeological Research Centre director Prof Datuk Dr Mokhtar Saidin said his team found the two historical artefacts buried side by side at a depth of 37cm from the ground level in the storeroom of the fort.
“We are still studying their age and the reason why they were buried there.
“The discovery of a mortar is very significant because there have been fewer than 10 mortars recorded to be found here,” Prof Mokhtar told the media at Fort Cornwallis today.
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(right) Chow checking the remnants and artefacts at the escavation site
He said that the excavation was part of the effort to develop a drainage plan to resolve flooding in front of the fort’s storeroom.
Two copper coins with a bale mark of the United East India Company and stamped with the year 1787 were also found.
Pre and post-World War II structures and concrete trolley tracks connected to the Japanese Occupation of Malaya (1941-1945) were also discovered.
The excavation was conducted under the supervision of USM and the National Heritage Department.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the fort is filled with rich history.
“We will be able to learn the history of Fort Cornwallis in depth after the restoration work is complete.
“Last year, the team from USM, led by Prof Mokhtar discovered two cannons at the moat area (west of the fort).
“Now, they have found a cannon and a mortar at the fort’s storeroom,” Chow said.
Also present were representatives from Aga Khan Trust for Culture, Think City and Chief Minister’s Incorporated.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad